Sexing small slings without a microscope - a suggested method + PICS

Hey Guys

So i've been using this method for a while with great success, and just thought I'd take the time and actually type up exactly how I go about it.

Before we start, the easiest way to do this is through a light microscope of some description, but if like me you don't have one, here's the method I use.

Equipment:

1. DSLR camera (I personally use a Canon 7D, but i've tried this on the 1000D)
2 . Standard kit lens usually 18-55mm or there abouts
3. Cheap ebay macro filters (cost 10 dollars)
4. Cheap ebay extension tubes (also about 10 dollars too)
5. Tripod as the working distance is extremely small.
6. Small transparent container of sorts to use as a stage
7. Fine point forceps to manipulate moult



Method:

Prep the moult: If you're lucky enough to catch your little one moulting, pinch the moult as soon as you can without disturbing the sling. Stretch out the book lungs part before it dries together. If your moult is a little older, soak it in soapy water first (i find just cutting off the abdominal section of the moult easier than dealing with floppy legs ets)

Lay the moult out on the stage you're using.

Setup the camera->extension tubes->lens->macro filters and place in an area of good light. (Preferably a lamp shining almost straight down onto the moult as you want bounceback light to pass through the moult into your lens - hence what the stage is for)

Manually position and focus the camera on the desired area. This can take some time as my working distance with this rig is about 5mm. (Yes i want a proper macro lens, thus far i haven't acquired one, although the working distance would be far easier)

Snap photo and crop out the bit you want - fiddling with contrast can often help to bring it out more.

Results:

N chromatus 4/5th instar moult:


Image of primitive spermathecae + outlined for those not sure what they're looking at



As you can see, my little one is a FEMALE! :clap:

Thus with relatively inexpensive additions to a regular DSLR it's possible to sex rather small slings.

I hope someone finds this useful, and I welcome comments and questions

Bryn

Being bookmarke in my history. Thanks Bryn.

Matt

That's awesome - can't wait to try it on my next molt!

Nice work!

I would definitely try this method! Thanks for the input!

---------- Post added at 12:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 PM ----------

redrumpslump said:

Being bookmarke in my history. Thanks Bryn.

Matt

Click to expand...

I think this could be place as a sticky.... Very nice indeed...

Got an example of a male?

You might try more oblique lighting as well, it'll make the shadows from the spermathecae more obvious. The MP-E 65 is the best lens, IMO for macro on canon, it is nearly enough to make me pitch my Nikon + lenses!

Introvertebrate said:

Got an example of a male?

Click to expand...

My male L para is literally about to moult, when he's done i'll post up the pics

For those interested here's my male previous moult:

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=180440



Note the very small unconnected accessory organs are visible, and relatively are very small, this photo was taken from a significantly larger T as well, about a 3 incher, so the spermathecae, if present, would be much larger.

BrynWilliams said:

Note the very small unconnected gonadopores are visible, and relatively are very small, this photo was taken from a significantly larger T as well, about a 3 incher, so the spermathecae, if present, would be much larger.

Click to expand...

Those are male accessory organs.
A gonopore is the genital opening, and both females and males will have one.

EDIT:
Read that as gonopores, instead of gonadopores.:8o
I've never heard of gonadopores, is that what they're called?

my mistake good spot! Above post edited

Hobo said:

Those are male accessory organs.
A gonopore is the genital opening, and both females and males will have one.

EDIT:
Read that as gonopores, instead of gonadopores.:8o
I've never heard of gonadopores, is that what they're called?

Click to expand...

Here's another male example.

Immature male 4 inch P cambridgei - moulted this morning.

The latest girly:

Thanks for sharing!!! I will be trying this method with my Ts next molts =)

Yet another moult this week! L parahybana female

another shot i got, real tough one to get but a girl

OBT 2i

for a direct comparison with the above picture

here's a sacmate of the same size that appears male

BrynWilliams said:

Here's another male example.

Immature male 4 inch P cambridgei - moulted this morning.

Click to expand...

:barf: